Hello everyone! sorry I haven't blogged in a while... it has been CRAZY busy, but also so much fun! The luao at Gordon Oaks Retirement Center on Wednesday was great. I could tell that we brightened those seniors day, and there was a DJ there so all of the Junior Miss girls danced which was really great. One elderly lady was looking for me -- she had grown up in Chicago and was so excited to talk to me. She had made the move to Alabama after the war, and I got to learn about her life as a teenager.
On Thursday, I went to Mobile's Exploreum -- a museum-- and played with Kindergarten campers (who were absolutely adorable!) When we got off the bus, they literally ran up to all of us and gave us hugs. It was really cute. We held their hands as they participated in many hands-on activities, and they especially liked a new feauture of the Exploreum featuring all types of frogs. Before the Junior Miss girls left, we made "Be Your Best Self" necklaces/bracelets with them, and we could barely detach them from us when we left... they didn't want us to go and we didn't want to have to leave them either! We had a great time working with them.
Thursday night we went to a Mardis Gras museum which was fascinating. Before I came here, I had never known that Mobile, Alabama was where Mardis Gras began. There was a picnic with our host families after we toured the museum, and there was a DJ there as well. At the picnic, I tried my first moon pie which I guess is a staple dessert here in Mobile. My host mom's jaw dropped when I asked her, "What's a moon pie??" Well.. now I can say I've eaten one and it was pretty good. I have been fed so well here, and I pray to God that I will fit in my self-expression dress next week!
Last night all the Junior Miss girls were on floats and threw Mardi Gras beads/candy in the parade. It was so much fun, and I got to see more of the town-- absolutely beautiful! We were supposed to leave immediately after the parade to go to the Prom, but a couple of floats broke down so we were running about a half hour late. It was pretty funny rushing back to the church where we were to get ready at... we always have police escorts, and they were turning on their lights/sirens (even at red lights!) so we could go through! However, we still only had 10 minutes to get ready, and I have a huge corset on the back of my dress!! It was crazy, but by the grace of God, everything turned out okay.
Today was rehearsal and the autograph session at Colonial Bel Air Mall. Some people waited in the line an hour to get our autographs! It was crazy, and I was excited to see my girl scout troop there as well ( who have "adopted" me and are sponsoring me ). The girl scouts are so sweet, and they seemed really excited to be there.
I hope that got you all caught up... talk to you all soon! And, thank you to those who've left comments - It's great to here from everyone!
